https://free247lifestyle.com/blogs/news.atomFree 24 7 - News2020-03-11T15:23:00+10:00Free 24 7https://free247lifestyle.com/blogs/news/road-trip-crank-up-the-volume-with-our-top-20-tunes2020-03-11T15:23:00+10:002020-03-12T09:39:56+10:00ROAD TRIP - Crank up the volume with our Top 20 TunesTim Wingrove
When day trips no longer cut it and aren't recharging the batteries like they used to, you need to embrace the classic Aussie tradition and hit the Highway - ROAD TRIP style.

The miles can sometimes get pretty long and there's no point doing them on your own, the silence will drive you crazy. You need TUNES and good ones at that and great music makes a ROAD TRIP.

Your body might be travelling to the next destination, but your mind needs to also - time to kick into 5th gear and get into the groove.

If you've got the kids in the car, the genre might be a little more subdued - I remember doing plenty of miles listening to Little Red Car (Wiggles) as we toured the country...different strokes for different folks!

Whether your heading inland to avoid the traffic or looking at Sydney in your rear view mirror (I reckon this is the best way to see a City) as you head to Byron Bay for the week - crank up these classics - here's a list of awesome Tunes to help you drop the windows and turn up the volume.

Little Red Corvette - Prince

Here I Go Again - Whitesnake

Where the Streets have no Name - U2

Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen

On the Road Again - Willie Nelson

There's no such thing as "rules" on a Road Trip and there's certainly nothing wrong with hitting the "REPEAT" Button and listening to your favourite again. Good music is like wearing your favourite T-Shirt, they never go out of style. I reckon a brand that was born on the road captures the essence of Adventure better than most.

The Free 24 7 collection of Clothing was inspired by the ultimate Road Trip - doing the Big Lap around OZ. Needing to capture the essence of being relaxed and living your best life, our Clothing has been tested by the best of them - not just here, but all around the world.

Let's get back to the music, there's still a long way to go...

I've Been Everywhere - Johnny Cash

Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf

Jack & Diane - John Mellencamp

Gun Barrel Highway - Midnight Oil

Khe Sanh - Cold Chiesel

What's been your best Road Trip? The ones that are super planned and booked in months in advance, sure they build the excitement - but there's just not enough of the "magic" elements of surprise.

Spur of the moment, joining a big group of 4WD's heading to Cape York for 3 weeks...now we are talking. Better get yourself kitted out and look the part with some super comfy travelling threads. The Original ROAD TRIP tank might be worth a look too - one of our faves!

Half the fun of a ROAD TRIP is looking at your car afterwards with the glint of pride in your eye - "yep the old girl, she never lets me down" kind of feeling.

VOLUME UP - if you're heading bush, you won't hear the Corrugations! Sorry...you'll still feel every one of them - even if your tyre pressure is down....

Hotel California - The Eagles

Shut Up & Drive - Rihanna

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) The Proclaimers

Running on Empty - Jackson Browne

Fast Car - Tracey Chapman

Are we there yet? It doesn't matter where you are going and how long you've been driving, it's almost the catch cry of every ROAD TRIP. When the traffic lights are just a distant memory, the country gets a little more rugged and the sign says no more Petrol for 400km...you know that this is a real trip and at that point, you feel the pressures of life lift from your shoulders. Relief.

It's time to relax, the simple life is just around the corner. One last blast as we wrap up the Top 20 Tunes.

Route 66 - Chuck Berry

Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles

The Horses - Daryl Braithwaite

Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynyrd

Ganggajang - Sounds of Then

Can't say that the last track really fits it - but it's a classic Aussie tune and it wouldn't be right unless you heard it at least once a day. Safe driving and remember, if you can still hear your mates talking, it's not loud enough! If you like our list and it made your ROAD TRIP...drop us a comment!

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https://free247lifestyle.com/blogs/news/its-party-time2020-02-04T16:05:00+10:002020-02-04T16:08:34+10:00Button Up Party Shirts - one of Men's Fashion's most "ON TREND" piecesTim WingroveMore]]>
Since when has the Aussie male become Fashion conscious?

Apparently right about now!

Whether it's a nostalgic Shirt with a cool design, or one that reflects your lifestyle passions, the coolest Shirt to be wearing is a Button Up Party Shirt. T-Shirts aren't going anywhere fast and will always be a staple for the wardrobe, but it's hard to ignore what's on trend.

There are a heap of drivers behind this new wave of Fashion, not least that high quality, 100% Cotton Shirts are super cool and comfortable to wear. With the Summer that we've had so far in Australia, you can't blame the guys for wanting something that offers some relief.

Like anything, there's good and bad out there. The Surf industry have been playing in the Button Up Shirt scene for years and this goes all the way back to the traditional Hawaiian Shirts. These were built for comfort/not speed and suited the warm climate of Hawaii.

Unfortunately the Surf Clothing industry was largely driven by the Retailers needing to drive big margins to cover even bigger bricks and mortar rents - so in many cases, they opted to use Rayon or similar materials (Polyester blends) to keep the prices down. There's always a catch when you cut corners, and the customers in our view lose out with fabrics that don't breathe and are generally hotter to wear.

There's no substitute for high quality Cotton and we've developed a range of woven cotton party shirts that are perfectly suited to the Australian climate. If you are into the 4x4 lifestyle and want to look good "off the tracks" too, the Free 24 7 Overander 4WD Shirt is for you.

The Overlander Shirt design was created for the 4WDer. The Shirts come with small icons printed on the Shirt that reflect your lifestyle passion. Bow Shackles, Winches, Camp Fires, a 4WD, Tyre treads in sand and...well...Beer of course - put all these elements together and you've got a great weekend away AND an awesome casual button up shirt.

The Overlander 4WD Shirt is currently available in Navy and Storm Grey - but we will no doubt release other colours down the track due to the popularity of the Shirt.

To bring this Shirt to life, we designed it with unique Gear Cog Buttons and awesome Lifestyle Labelling - this is a genuine 4WD Shirt that won't look out of place - no matter where you find yourself.

Beautifully made and detailed, this Shirt goes off!

Don't worry, our Caravan & Campers haven't been forgotten either. If you've ever Camped, there's no time quite like "Happy Hour" - when the rabble come together to share the days adventures. Come 4 O'Clock at Campsites around Australia, the Beer & Wine flows and the Cheese and Biscuits (BBQ Shapes go best with Corona!!!) are served.

Whether you want to simply look and feel Cool or the Missus tells you to put on your "Good Shirt", Free 24 7 won't leave you hanging. Our latest design for the Caravan/Camper is in fact...the "Good Van Shirt". A beautiful, 100% Cotton Button Up Shirt, coming in a Relaxed Fit and retro styling.

Whilst all your mates are still turning up in their old Billabong Tees - this one will have them talking. Light weight and detailed with Coconut Husk buttons (laser engraved Branding on the Button walls!!!) head on down to the local looking great.

At Free 24 7, we are committed to offering the highest quality garments at affordable prices - everyday. We understand that you are all different and that wearing the same Shirts as your mates is very 80's and outdated - you are individual and as such, you want a shirt that reflects who you are.

"No one has the patent on you" - Katie St. Claire

We will continue to design and develop more cool shirts as we grow the brand, so stay tuned, you never know what we will bring out next.

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https://free247lifestyle.com/blogs/news/top-10-4wd-accessories2019-12-09T10:52:00+10:002020-01-14T20:29:08+10:00Top 10 4WD AccessoriesTim WingroveMore]]>
Like Magpies to shiny objects, it's easy to go overboard when kitting out your 4WD for a long touring run or even for a weekend bash.

There's so much on offer now and with Instagram and Facebook showing you just how useful every product on the market is, with well choreographed slick 30 second videos.....

It's almost easy to feel sorry for the average punter who is simply bombarded with new ideas and products.

If you're unlucky enough to subscribe to some of the aggressive 4x4 product pushers who send out 3 emails a day...it's easy to see how you could go crazy with accessories for you 4WD. If your pocket isn't overflowing with coin, here's what we think rate as the "go to" accessories for your 4x4.

First Aid Kit

Let's face it, the Australian bush can be a particularly challenging environment. Consider worse case scenarios when you're kitting our your 4WD, (plan for a disaster, hope for an adventure).

Whether it's something as simple as a nice gash to the leg from forward scouting a path through thick scrub, or a lump of stainless wire embedded into your hand from a poorly maintained winch cable - a First Aid Kit will keep you out on the tracks and in good shape.

At around $90 for a well provisioned Kit, it's a cheap insurance policy. Whether you can assist someone within your own group or a fellow adventurer from another car, either works and is just common sense.

12V Fridge

Hard to go past a 12V Fridge. There's a stack of these on the market and like most new products, work out what you really need. Remember, the more bells and whistles, the more there is to go wrong.

We all love sitting around the Campfire after a long day on the tracks...WITH A COLDIE OR 2, so get a Fridge that will do the job. I think you just need to take time to consider how long your average trip away in your 4WD is going to be and then buy a Fridge that meets these needs.

Don't go overboard with capacity that you won't use - it's just money unnecessarily spent. Remember, you can always take an Esky for those longer trips and let's face it, Sausages, Sauce and Bread don't take up that much room.

Recovery Gear

Bank on getting bogged - the best do it regularly and if you aren't losing traction, you're probably driving on the black stuff! A rated Tow Strap and Recovery Gear (buy cheap and expect it to break!) are absolutely essential.

If you are inexperienced, chances are that you need this at the top of your list. If you're out on the tracks, chances are you will run into plenty of other enthusiasts and it's likely that some of them will need a hand too.

Duct Tape & Zip Ties

Good enough for MaCGyver - Duct Tape and Zip ties are universally recognised as saviours in the bush.

There's not much you can't fix with them - if your exhaust is pushing - a well rigged set of Zip ties will do the job until you get back to town. Split hoses, flapping tarp, zipper dies on your tent...use the Bushman's tool kit, it never fails.

4WD Course

A "learn how to 4WD" course is a great way to get initiated into the lifestyle. Everything from tyre pressures, suitable gears to match terrain and the boundaries of your vehicles capabilities, all things worth getting to know.

If you're going to get into this awesome lifestyle of ours, at least look the part too. As far as accessories for your 4WD, this includes what you wear out on the tracks too.

You don't wear your Golfing outfit when your driving the Creb track, so get into some cool t shirts and look the part too. If you're new to the lifestyle, you've come in at the right time, with a range of Clothing brands now offering awesome gear for your next trip.

Compressor

What goes down much go up - so a Compressor is an absolute must. If you're beach driving or in some nice muddy tracks, the air has got to come out to increase your tyres surface area to improve your traction.

Once you're done and heading back onto the black stuff, it's time to get some air back in. A compact, lightweight compressor is worth its weight in gold.

Bull Bar

A solid Bull Bar is a must. Frontal protection on the tracks from wildlife, judgement errors and a platform to hang those all important accessories from. Driving lights, winches, comms antenna - they have to go somewhere!

Tool Kit

A basic Tool Kit is a no brainer. Even if you're not experienced mechanically, you can probably get yourself out of trouble with a Shifter, Pliers, set of Screwdrivers and a Hammer.

If it's simple, you can help yourself over the line - and let's face it, if it's complex...you can always grab a beer from the 12V Fridge and smile while you wait for someone to give you a hand.

Good Comms Devices

A Sat Phone would be nice - but at the very minimum, a Smartphone. The other basic comms support doesn't require any money and is just as effective. Tell someone where you are going and what time you're expected back - simple, free and won't let you down.

Wouldn't want to rely on Telstra if your 400kms from the nearest town.

Tyres to match the Terrain

Tyres. A good set to suit your average driving conditions will go a long way to minimising down time. If you're a regular beach driver, get a set of tackies to match your regular environment.

As always, remember you are out there to have fun - a bit of sound preparation and a few small investments will keep it that way. Travel Safe.

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https://free247lifestyle.com/blogs/news/bogged-how-to-get-out-safely-without-losing-your-cool2019-11-13T15:54:00+10:002020-01-14T20:31:54+10:00Bogged - How to get out safely without losing your coolTim Wingrove
FAST!

It's just one of those things. No matter how experienced you are and how advanced your 4WD is, there are times when you simply end up without traction and are going nowhere FAST!

In Australia, we are lucky enough to enjoy a huge range of terrains, but like any outdoor lifestyle activity...preparation is your best and cheapest insurance policy. Your 4x4 can have all the accessories under the sun, but it's typically planning and commonsense that will help you out more.

Here's some simple but proven ways to improve your recovery chances:

Stop Accelerating if you are bogged - you'll only make the hole deeper

Reduce friction on the vehicle underbody by digging around the exit points of your tyres and any part of the vehicle touching the ground

If you haven't already, reduce tyre pressure if you're in sand/mud as this will significantly increase your traction

Use some traction aids (small logs, Max Trax or anything that creates a solid base for your tyres to engage with). Traction and Clearance are your friends when Bogged!

Remove weight from the Vehicle

If you/your partner vehicle have a Winch, ONLY USE rated recovery points and always use a Dampener on the recovery gear to maximise safety

If using a Snatch Strap/Winch - always stand clear and use a dampener

Always try to recover your vehicle by going forwards, as 1st and 2nd gear are far stronger than Reverse

As with any 4WD Adventure, preparation is the key. Ensure that you have your Shovel, Rated Recovery Gear, Communication aides and always travel with a partner vehicle. We developed a whole design series of cool T-Shirts for the 4WD crew titled the "Brotherhood of 4WD" - it's not a fashion trend, but recognition that we are all part of a large family and that we all can and will "help each other out".

Our range has grown quickly over the past few years, from T-Shirts, to Hoodies, Caps and even our latest Sisterhood of 4WD T. If you are hitting the tracks, might as well do it in style!

Before you depart on your next Adventure, always inform close friends/family where you are going and what time you expect to return. As simple as it sounds, NEVER leave your vehicle and try to walk to safety unless you are absolutely certain of the direction and proximity of help.

If you are going to walk it, ONLY do it if you have ample provisions (Water, Food, Medical Kit) to match the expected time to reach your destination. Otherwise, if you don't - FORGET IT.

Top 5 "Bogged" Locations:

If you were going to put a list out of some of the most likely places to get bogged in Australia, we think the Top 5 looks something like this:

Inskip Point - QLD - a Soft Sand nightmare in holiday times

Moana Beach South Oz

Bornholm Beach - one of the countries toughest 4x4 tracks

Anywhere up north after the wet!!! Be warned

Pardoo Station, Western Australia - Salt Marsh country

From our experience, it's when you try to rush your recovery that things can go from bad to worse. There's no busting hurry (unless the tides coming in FAST), so you really need to think through your circumstances and the most logical way of getting out.

If you're on your own, well that presents it's own challenges, but again, if you're fully prepared and stay relaxed, you've got a good chance of getting out and heading home without damage or injury.

PLAN, PREPARE, RECOVER

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https://free247lifestyle.com/blogs/news/sustainably-sourced-garments-feel-good-in-free-24-72019-08-23T09:12:00+10:002020-01-14T20:25:12+10:00Sustainably sourced Garments - Feel Good in Free 24 7Tim Wingrove
As a consumer, you can feel confident, that when you wear any of the Free 24 7 Clothing range, that it's been responsibly sourced and ethically produced. It's really important to us and we hope it's important to you too.

There's a huge amount of planning that goes into building a trusted Clothing brand. Iconic brand names that have stood the test of time, have done so because they place a high value on important ideals and socially progressive practices. We all only get to walk on this Earth once - so let's make it count!

Leading brands in various segments of the Fashion Industry in Australia, like RM Williams and Country Road for example, have been able to stay ahead of the pack because they conduct their operations with outstanding Social Responsibility.

From the outset (December 2016), we established a range of Core Values that will allow the Free 24 7 Clothing brand to operate for the long term.

Only source from Socially Responsible suppliers

Supply network must be regularly audited for Safety compliance

Factories must use stable and realistic targets for workers

Supply chain participants must exceed International good labour practices

All our T-Shirts/Tanks are sourced exclusively through AS Colour - a leading New Zealand based Blank Clothing Supplier. This entity is recognised as one of the most progressive Garment Suppliers in Australasia. We place great faith in their diligent approach to managing their supply chain, as it meets our stringent requirements.

With a strong concentration of their supply network being in Bangladesh, we admire the fact that AS Colour recognises that long term mutually beneficial relationships are key, to lifting the living standards of those that work within their network.

Ultimately as a Clothing Retailer, we pay more for our Blank Garments (we could reduce our costs by 30%+ if we used other suppliers), but we sleep at night, knowing that what we bring to market will not only be valued by our audience because of its outstanding quality, but those who produced it will enjoy a decent standard of living.

New Range of Dress Shirts:

We're introducing a range of Woven Cotton Dress Shirts for Men. These Button up shirts are beautifully made and detailed. Selecting an appropriate manufacturer has taken us nearly 8 months, as the supplier had to go through a vigorous examination of their work practices.

Painstaking verification of work conditions, factory worker targets and overall "feel good" score are the measures we take to ensure that you, as a consumer, get the best possible product that's built to a social standard. Launching in December, this range of Shirts will add a new dimension to our offering and will no doubt be extremely popular.

As a consumer, you can feel confident, that when you wear any of the Free 24 7 Clothing range, that it's been responsibly sourced and ethically produced. It's really important to us and we hope it's important to you too.

Australia has gotten a whole heap smaller over the years! With so much of our country now more accessible than ever before, the weekend family adventure in the trusty 4WD is high on the agenda for many - and not just for those living in the bush.

Owning a 4x4 is one thing, driving it safely and returning it in one piece from a weekend adventure is an entirely different proposition. The ever expanding Brotherhood of 4WD is a large group of people from all walks of life looking to "get out more" - so here's our Top 5 Tips for making the most of your next 4WD trip.

Never Go Alone. Sounds simple, but it's the one thing that can prevent a minor mishap turning into a major disaster. Inexperienced off roaders can easily get themselves into dangerous situations, that cause damage to your vehicle or even worse, injury to you or a family member. Having another vehicle will minimise risks and make for a safer recovery if needed.

Be prepared. The bush isn't like the city where you can call for help and someone arrives to save the day. Ensure your vehicle is suited to the conditions in which you intend to drive it through, have recovery kits, communications to suit your chosen location, a first aid kit and adequate Food & Water to last for 5 days longer than you intend to travel for. Warm Clothing (4x4 Hoodies/Beanie Hats for Men or Women) are a must if you are travelling in Winter - additionally, adequate Sunscreen supplies for Summer)

Check Weather Conditions. Just like the Ocean, conditions in the Bush change quickly and so to do the driving conditions. Excessive rain can impact track accessibility, river levels (making crossing dangerous or impossible) and so too can high winds impact safe passage through heavily wooded areas.

Understand your Vehicles capabilities - READ THE VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL. If you're inexperienced - stay calm, think before you drive and take it slowly. More often than not, vehicle damage is the result of driving at speeds in excess of a drivers ability to react to unexpected obstacles.

Know your Technology and Understand how it works. With the standard family 4x4 now better equipped than ever before, it's important to understand how Hill Descent Control works off road, what your ABS functionality can do for you as you change directions quickly in the dirt or sand - the modern 4x4 is loaded with high tech that can really make a difference off road - learn it, understand it and maximise its benefit.

Driving off road is a whole heap of fun and brings within reach some of Australia's most pristine environments. Whether it's the Victorian High Country, Cape York or a trip with a convoy of family friends along the beaches of Stockton or Fraser Island, observing the above 5 simple Tips can help ensure that you, your family and your beloved 4x4 all arrive home back safely.

Life's getting busy these days - we're all under the pump either chasing our own dreams (self-employed) or helping someone else realise theirs (employee!!!) - so planning a weekend getaway is more important to maintain our sanity than ever before.

We're lucky, we might not get away as much as we like, but our customers keep us inspired by sharing great photos, every day, of their awesome Adventures.

Just in the last Month, we've seen people wearing our Clothes in the following places (they Tag and Share which is really cool):

The Kimberley, Tasmania, Holland, India, Canada, Ningaloo, Uluru, Cape York, Blue Mountains, Queensland, Offshore Darwin...the list just goes on - so we know that plenty of you are "getting out there" and taking time to enjoy.

With such a huge country to explore where do you go to unwind? Here's a few of our favourites:

Exmouth Gulf and snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef

Calypso Caravan Park Yamba - such a chilled spot

Tasmania's East Coast - awesome Bakery in Bicheno

Kakadu - all of it, we just love it

The Kimberley - Bungle Bungles - a place you just HAVE TO VISIT

What is really cool is just how "different" everyone's idea of "living" is - for some it's chasing a dream fish, or a dream encounter with a Giraffe - for others, it's just chilling out and enjoying the satisfaction of a tough mountain climb - or locking in the Hubs on their 4x4 and getting ready to hit the tracks.

If you are chasing your next BIG ADVENTURE, make sure you've got some T-Shirts that are cool so you can really get into the spirit.

Adventure Packing List:

I'm always amazed by how people OVERPACK when they are heading away for the weekend. Remember, you are "getting away from it all" not taking it with you. The whole idea is to disconnect so that you can recharge.

Here's our simple rules and what to take and how to RELAX:

Pack your bag with what you think you need & then put half of it back in the wardrobe

Limit your phone use/device time to 30 minutes at one time during the day

Tell someone responsible where you're going and when you expect to get back

Take at least one thing to read - book/novel - it will help take your mind away too

If you can, stay up late enough to sit and look at the night sky, it's incredibly relaxing

Don't set a big schedule, just let it roll

"The danger of Adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort" Paulo Coelho

Our range of mens 4x4 clothing is powering along and every day, we get images sent to us of guys wearing our gear out on the tracks...which is pretty cool. The best part is that they really love our designs and the feedback on the quality of the pieces is awesome. One thing we notice from all the photos we get sent in, is just how lucky we all are to live here in Australia...we really are the lucky country. Awesome mountain views, great coastline and just the way we get to be so close to nature, there really isn't another place that has so much to offer. We've just released our latest Winter Long Sleeve Design...the Unwind - with a classic Winch graphic...we reckon you're going to love it! So grab your "go to" favourite T-Shirt, Hoodie and Trucker Cap from our exclusive collection and get out there!